COVID-19 Checkup 07-15-2021
July 15, 2021
Welcome home! It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No – not the holidays! We are exactly one month away from the first day of class, and you can already feel the excitement on campus. Let’s start the semester strong by continuing to do those things that we know work to keep our campus community safer from COVID-19.
Below is a brief overview of what you can expect on campus this fall:
Classes
SHSU has returned to in-person instruction in classrooms. Social distancing and face coverings are not required. Members of the campus community may still wear face coverings and practice social distancing if they need to or choose to.
Face Coverings
Face coverings are strongly recommended for those not vaccinated, at increased risk for severe illness or who live with others at increased risk or are not vaccinated (i.e. children under 12 years old).
Capacity
All campus facilities are able to operate at 100% capacity, including campus dining halls, Bowers Stadium and the Rec Center. Facilities are strongly encouraged to provide some buffer space so that those who need to, or choose to, socially distance are able to do so.
Student Engagement
Get ready as we return to normal to host in-person student events and activities, such as athletic games, concerts and student organization meetings, in addition to beloved Bearkat traditions including Welcome Week festivities, Firefest, Tree of Light and tailgating in Bearkat Alley!
Vaccinations
COVID-19 vaccination is voluntary, but highly recommended for all students, employees, and visitors.
What is important to know about being fully vaccinated?
- It offers you a level of protection against COVID and more severe illness if you do become sick
- If you are exposed to COVID but not symptomatic, being vaccinated allows you to avoid quarantine
- More vaccinations mean more protection for Bearkats
Testing
Testing is an important resource to help keep our campus safer and multiple testing options will be available to the campus community. Unvaccinated individuals are encouraged to test at least weekly during the semester whether or not they have symptoms or known exposure. Vaccinated individuals should get tested if any COVID-like symptoms arise.
Student Testing
The SHC is offering screening testing and testing associated with an appointment all Free of charge. Call 936-294-1805 to make an appointment. Staff will help you to determine which test you may need during your visit.
Faculty/Staff Testing
The SHC will offer asymptomatic screening testing only for faculty or staff through an appointment in our nurse clinic. If you have any symptoms, seek medical care through your primary medical provider.
Additional Measures
The university continues to provide:
- COVID-19 vaccinations
- Hand sanitizing stations at building entrances
- Educational messaging throughout campus
- Regular cleaning of facilities
- Enhanced HVAC filtration systems
What Else? Know Before You Go!
We can’t wait to welcome you home this fall! With the semester starting right around the corner, if you are planning to get vaccinated, now is the time. According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
COVID-19 Updates
Weekly updates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 will continue to be added to the university’s dashboard every Monday through Friday, at approximately 4:30 p.m. To see the current number of cases, visit Dashboard Updates.
Reminders
If you received a positive COVID-19 test, please self-report your results immediately so we may ensure our dashboard is as accurate as possible.
If you received a COVID vaccine, don’t forget to add that information to your patient portal for your records.
COVID-19 Work Group
| Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Drew Miller | Student Affairs |
| Brian Loft | Academic Affairs |
| Robert Williams | Health Center |
| Joellen Tipton | Residence Life |
| Ann Theodori | SAM Center |
| Stephanie Knific | Marketing & Communications |
| Rachel Shorter | Tech/Desktop Services |
| Dustin LeNorman | Athletics |
| Matt Roberts | Facilities Services |
| Rhonda Beassie | Human Resources |
| Candace Walkley | College of Osteopathic Medicine |
| Erica Bumpurs | Health Center |
| Mary-Katherine Breen | Academic Success Center |
| Wayne Barrett | College of Arts & Media |
| Anne Gaillard | Biology/College of Science & Engineering Technology |
| Steve Jeter | Public Safety |
| Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Jerrell Sherman | Dean of Students Office |
| Jessica Smith | Human Resources |
| Rachel Valle | Student Activities |
| Clint Lockwood | Enrollment Management |
| Terry Blaylock | Client Services |
| Kristy Vienne | Auxiliary Services |
| Bill Angrove | SHSU Online |
| Julie Schwab | Provost's Office |